dsm-firmenich survey finds 85% of global feed samples contaminated with multiple mycotoxins

GLOBAL – A new dsm-firmenich survey has found that 85% of 10,410 animal feed samples collected from 78 countries contained multiple mycotoxins, highlighting persistent risks to feed quality, animal health and livestock productivity across global feed supply chains.

The H1 2026 World Mycotoxin Survey, based on 59,180 analyses conducted between January and June 2026, identified fumonisins, B-trichothecenes and zearalenone as the most prevalent mycotoxins worldwide. 

East Asia recorded the highest overall risk level at 97%, followed by Southern Asia at 92%.

According to dsm-firmenich, the widespread occurrence of multiple mycotoxins is particularly concerning because livestock are often exposed to several toxins simultaneously. 

Even when individual toxin levels are relatively low, their combined effects can damage gut health, weaken immunity, impair liver function and reduce reproductive performance, ultimately lowering feed efficiency and animal productivity.

Regional contamination levels increase

The survey recorded several year-on-year increases in mycotoxin prevalence across major livestock-producing regions.

In Europe, fumonisin prevalence increased from 42% to 56%, while B-trichothecenes rose from 71% to 79%. 

Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a sharp increase in zearalenone contamination, rising from 60% to 78%, while fumonisins climbed from 62% to 74%.

In Asia, the prevalence of ochratoxin A increased from 37% to 51%, while B-trichothecenes declined from 49% to 36%. 

Central and South America recorded an increase in aflatoxin prevalence from 33% to 44%, while North America remained relatively stable, with B-trichothecenes increasing marginally from 81% to 82%.

The findings suggest that climate variability, ingredient origin and storage conditions continue to influence contamination risks across global feed supply chains.

dsm-firmenich says the results reinforce the importance of testing both raw materials and finished feed for multiple mycotoxins rather than monitoring single contaminants in isolation.

The company also recommends strengthening supplier verification, commodity sourcing, transportation and storage practices to minimise exposure.

“Mycotoxin exposure can vary considerably between regions and individual feed materials, so relying on general assumptions can leave producers vulnerable to unexpected risks,” said Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich.

She added that while contamination cannot always be prevented, regular testing, improved storage, careful ingredient sourcing and proactive risk management can significantly reduce exposure.

The survey also includes analysis of masked, modified and emerging mycotoxins using multi-mycotoxin testing methods, providing feed manufacturers and livestock producers with a more comprehensive picture of contamination patterns.

According to dsm-firmenich, broader monitoring and stronger quality controls can help producers intervene earlier, reduce rejected raw materials and maintain consistent feed performance as global feed supply chains become increasingly complex.

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